USS
Fort Worth (LCS 3) conducted dynamic interface operations on
the Point Mugu Test Range Nov. 5-13 with the Navy's Vertical Takeoff
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) known as the MQ-8 Fire Scout. Although
Fire Scouts have been used in the fleet onboard frigates, LCS is the
first platform designed from the keel up to integrate and operate these
unmanned helicopters.

"Everything
from the consoles in MCC (Mission Control Center), the displays, and
antennas to the flight deck and UCARS were made for us to interface
with Fire Scout" said Lt. Mike Chesnut, the combat systems officer
for LCS Crew 104, "The Juggernauts", who are currently the
"on-hull" crew for Fort Worth.

UCARS is the UAV Common Automated Recovery System, a present day "tractor
beam" that locks on to the Fire Scout from miles away and brings
it safely on deck without human intervention.

The
Fire Scout, replete with the most modern electro-optical and infrared
cameras, can extend the ship's senor range and greatly increase maritime
awareness by relaying information back to the ship via data link.

"It's exciting to integrate new technology with LCS. That's what
this platform is about, flexibility and innovation," said Cmdr.
Kendall Bridgewater, Fort Worth's executive officer.